17 Common Netflix Problems & Fixes

This guide will show you how to fix many common Netflix problems without waiting for Netflix support to get back to you with a solution. We have a workaround to watch Black Mirror Bandersnatch on the Apple TV that will help you enjoy this series on your Apple TV with your iPhone or iPad.

When you find yourself asking, “Is Netflix down?” or “Why do I have these Netflix problems?” on a regular basis this guide will help you fix the issue so you can get back to watching Netflix. We’ll also explain how to reset Netflix and what to do if you can’t download Netflix movies on iPhone or Android.

We’ll cover Netflix error codes, Netflix connection problems and common Netflix problems on iPhone, iPad, Android and PC. We’ll also walk through steps to take if you have trouble streaming Netflix to your Apple TV, PS4, Xbox One and other connected devices.

Learn how to fix many Netflix problems in minutes. Twin Design / Shutterstock.com

We don’t see Netflix down for extended periods for all users, but there are many places you can run into a problem that will interrupt your streaming session on Netflix when other apps and your Internet work just fine.

We’ll walk through a collection of Netflix problems with specific fixes, and fixes that you need to try when you simply cannot stream Netflix, but you have a problem.

Is Netflix Down?

We often see people asking if Netflix is down because they see one of the following Netflix errors.

Sorry, we are unable to reach the Netflix service. Please try again later or visit www.netflix.com

Cannot Connect to Netflix

Cannot reach Netflix.com

Netflix is Not Available

Netflix is Unavailable

Unable to Connect to Netflix

Android Error: Connection Failed

If you want to find out if Netflix is down, you can use DownDetector to see where people are having trouble using Netflix.

If Netflix is down according to this service or there is a huge spike in complaints it may not be worth continuing right now as system-wide problems will require a fix from Netflix. You can try to reset your connection or test on a cell phone connection to see if there is a local problem, but it may be bigger than that.

You can also see recent Netflix problems on the Netflix CS Twitter feed, where the company recently confirmed problems searching Netflix, Netflix streaming problems, issues with Netflix on Smart TVs or the Apple TV and other bugs that can ruin your plans. This is as close to an official Netflix status page as you will find.

It is possible that Netflix is down, but it is also very possible that there is a Netflix problem that starts in your home, with your Internet connection or on the way to Netflix Servers. Here’s how you can fix these common Netflix Problems.

How to Fix Netflix Streaming Problems: Bad Quality or Loads Slowly

If Netflix streaming problems prevent you from enjoying your show you may see bad quality video or it may simply take a long time to actually start the show.

Restart your iPhone, Smart TV, Game Console or whatever device you are using to stream Netflix.

Restart your Router. Unplug your wireless router from power for 60 seconds then plug it back in.

Restart Your Modem. Unplug the modem from your Internet company for 30 to 60 seconds.

Check the WiFi Router Location. If your router is hidden behind something, move it to a higher place and out from behind items.

If you still have issues, you can try directly connecting your device to the modem from your ISP with an Ethernet cable to figure out if your router is the problem or if it is an issue with the company you pay for Internet access. Many times the company you pay to get online will blame your router, so trying this step will let you see where the fault is and get support from them on the phone.

How To Fix Netflix App Crashing

We often hear from friends asking, “Why does the Netflix app keep crashing?” It’s very frustrating, but you can fix it quite easily in most cases. The exact solution will depend on what you are trying to watch Netflix on.

The first thing you should try on any device is to restart the app. If that fails, you need to restart the device by turning it off and back on. This works for TVs, Blu-Ray players and phones.

if that doesn’t fix the Netflix app crashing you will need to dive deeper into the problem. If you are on a phone, tablet or a streaming box like the Apple TV, you should try to uninstall the app, restart your device and then re-install Netflix.

On Smart TVs and on some blu-ray devices you should sign out of the Netflix app and then try signing back in. You can also check for updates to the app with your manufacturer.

If your Netflix app crashes and you have the Linksys RE6500 AC1200 Wireless Range Extender at your house, you need to update that firmware. Netflix is aware of this issue and the fix is upgrading the range extender. Here’s more on what to do if your Netflix app is crashing.

How to Fix Black Mirror Bandersnatch Problems

The new choose your own adventure Black Mirror Bandersnatch movie doesn’t work on the Apple TV, Chromecast or the Windows App. If you want to watch Black Mirror Bandersnatch on the Apple TV, you can mirror your iPhone or iPad to the screen, letting you watch it on your Apple TV with AirPlay and still getting all of the choose your own adventure options.

To do this, open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad and tap on Screen Mirroring.

Choose your Apple TV from the list.

Go back to your Netflix app, open it and start playing Black Mirror Bandersnatch.

This will put it on your Apple TV and on your iPhone. You will use your iPhone to make the selections and you can watch on the big screen.

How to Fix Netflix 4K Problems

You need a TV that supports 4K, and optionally HDR, a device that can stream Netflix in 4K HDR and a fast enough internet connection to use Netflix in 4K. You will also need to subscribe to the most expensive Netflix plan. Some users will run into Netflix 4K problems due to one of these issues. You also need to be watching a show or movie that is available in Ultra HD. Most Netflix originals and some other shows are part of this collection.

If you have those setup and aren’t getting 4K or 4K HDR, you need to check the de ice you are streaming from. A 4K Smart TV will stream in 4K if you meet the options above, but older Apple TV, Fire TV and other streaming devices will not unless they explicitly support 4K streaming. You may need to buy a new device or stream from a device like your TV, Xbox One S, Xbox One X or a cable box that supports Netflix 4K.

If you are using the right TV, streaming box and plan, but you still do not see the Ultra HD icon next to a movie, you should check the HDMI cables. You may need to plug into a different port. Some TVs only support the right set of standards with a single connection. Your TV and the streaming device need to support HDCP 2.2 to watch Ultra HD content. Here’s more on what devices support 4K on Netflix.

How to Fix Netflix Movies Won’t Download

You may run into problems with the new Netflix feature that lets you download movies to your iPhone, iPad or Android phone.

Before you look for fixes, make sure you are on iOS 8.0 or higher or Android 4.4.2 or higher and on the latest version of Netflix.

If you are jailbroken or rooted you may have problems downloading Netflix movies. Netflix won’t let you download on these devices.

When you experience Netflix download problems on devices that are approved, you need to check to make sure the Netflix app is updated, that you have enough storage and that your Internet connection is working.

On Android, you may also run into problems with some phones like Huawei, Honor and other brands that aren’t listed on the HD streaming support page.

How to Reset Netflix

If you have Netflix problem on your Smart TV, PS4, Xbox One or other connected device you can try entering the following code on your device.

When this opens, you should see an option to deactivate Netflix. From here you can sign back in like new. Sometimes this will clear up annoying problems with your service on consoles.

How to Fix Netflix Connection Problems

If you cannot connect to Netflix at all, you should check to see if you can visit other websites on that computer or device. Assuming you are able to visit other websites we can attempt to fix the Netflix connection problems.

Use this to fix Netflix connection problems.

Users who are on a mobile device should switch to cellular or WiFi to see if that will fix the problem. Sometimes you are on a bad connection and switching to the other form of connectivity that your phone offers will start Netflix.

How to Fix Netflix Error 1011 & 1012

Two of the most common Netflix problems on iPhone or iPad is Netflix Error 1011 and Netflix Error 1012.

If you already went through the connection troubleshooting listed above, you may need to take additional steps to fix the problem. Here’s a step by step guide to fix Netflix iPhone problems.

Fix common Netflix problems on iPhone or iPad.

The first thing to try is resetting the Netflix app. Open your iPhone Settings -> Scroll down until you see Netflix -> Tap on Netflix -> Tap on Reset -> Press your Home Button. Open Netflix again and sign back in.

If that doesn’t fix the problem try restarting your iPhone or iPad. If that fails, the next step is to long press on the Netflix app and delete it. You can then install it again.

If that fails, turn your home network off and back on and try another Internet connection.

How to Fix Netflix Error 12001

Android Netflix problems are also common and normally include the Netflix Error 12001. When you see this it means that the data on your device is out of date and needs cleared.

The first thing to try is restarting your Android, but if that doesn’t work you will need to clear the Netflix data from your device.

If that fails, you can try a different wireless connection or contact Netflix for support.

How to Fix Netflix Error 1016

Another common Netflix problem that iPhone and iPad users may run into will show the error code 1016. This happens when you cannot get a good internet connection.

Fix other Netflix problems on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

The first thing to try is resetting the iPhone or iPad connection. Swipe up from your home screen and tap on the airplane icon. Wait 30 seconds or so and then tap on the airplane icon again to turn it off.

Try Netflix again to see if this fixed your problem. If not you can try restarting the device, your network or using another Internet connection.

How to Fix Too Many Users on Netflix

If you share your Netflix password with others or if you suddenly lose your connection you may see a message stating, “Your Netflix account is in use on another device. Please stop playing on other devices to continue. Visit Netflix.com/help for more information.”

If this happens because you lost connection to the Internet or power suddenly it should go away on its own, but it can take up to two hours.

If you need to disconnect someone who you don’t want to share your account with anymore you can change your password and then go to the Netflix website, My Account, Sign Out of All Devices. This may take several hours to complete.

How to Reset Netflix Password

You will likely need to change your Netflix password at some point and this will walk you through how to do that if you can still log in and how to get a new Netflix password if you forgot your login information.

How to change your Netflix password.

On the website log in to Netflix and click on My Account. Next, click on Change password. Enter your old password once and your new password twice.

Here, you can choose if users will need to sign in again with the new password or not. If you are trying to kick someone off your account or worried about unauthorized access this is an option you want to check.

If you forgot your Netflix password you can reset it by clicking Forgot password on the Netflix login page. You can choose to reset by email, text or a voice call.

How to Fix Netflix Suspicious Sign In Problems

You may receive an email from Netflix with the subject, “Netflix Password reset required” and directing you to create a new Netflix password. If you get an email that says the following, you need to take action.

“We have detected a suspicious sign-in to your Netflix account. Your Netflix account may have been compromised by a website or a service not associated with Netflix. Just to be safe and prevent any further unauthorized access of your account, we’ve reset your password.”

We don’t recommend clicking any of the links in the email since there is always a chance that a scammer is posing as Netflix. Instead we suggest you go to Netflix and choose to forgot your password to get a reset link sent to you.

From there you can make a new password. If you re-used that password it is a good idea to change it on those services or websites as well.

How to Fix Netflix Apple TV Problems

If you cannot watch Netflix on your Apple TV, you may need to take action to fix problems playing Netflix movies.

Assuming you can already use your Apple TV to connect to other Internet services you can try to restart your Apple TV. Unplug int from the Internet and from the TV for a minute and then plug int back in and turn everything back on. This will solve many problems.

If that fails, you should sign out. if you see an error on your screen press the play button and then choose sign out or deactivate.

If you see the error when you are watching a movie, press menu. When you see the Who’s Watching Netflix message you can choose Sign out. Sign back in after these tasks and see if it works.

If all else fails, you may need to update your Apple TV to newer software. Use this guide to update your Apple TV.

Rent Movies & TV Shows

The Apple TV is the center of your home entertainment system. You can stream movies and TV shows from a wide range of services.

This includes watching new releases from iTunes or watching your favorite TV shows on Hulu Plus. You can use Netflix and other streaming services so that you are covered when it comes to watching old, new, odd and super popular.

You'll also find CBS News, The Weather Channel, Vimeo, YouTuibe, Facebook Videos, VEVO, PBS and many other apps that allow you to stream videos and movies to your TV with a purchase or with a subscription.

Clearly it is you, John, that does not have a life. Tell us: is it that you lack the intelligence to follow such technological topics, or that you haven’t gotten laid in a very long time that is reason for you trolling little comment? Two words for you: Anger management. Little boy.

I can get Netflix on my IPad but not my tv ,was getting it awhile back but then it stopped it says no internet connection .I changed my internet connection to a stronger connection but I still can’t get Netflix on the tv

Useless. I have the new Apple TV, Netflix was working fine on both the TV and my iPad, then all of the sudden, when I’d try to use Netflix on my TV, I’d get the Netflix logo and loading circle to appear very briefly, then black screen. No error messages, nothing. When I’d exit and try to relaunch the application, all I’d get is a black screen. Seems to work fine on my iPad. I’ve reset my Apple TV, restarted my router, everything else works but that. Wtf?

Yes, I did fix it. Uninstall the app on your Apple TV by going to the main screen. Sweep to enlarge the app like you would before starting, then hold the button down (instead of pressing to launch the application) and the app will start to shake. At that point, you want to delete it entirely. Then go ahead and reinstall it. Enter your info and you should be good to go. PITA, I know, but it worked. Let’s hope it’s not a regular occurrence.

Totally useless advice. And Netflix support is useless too. I’m getting Netflix timeout issues on my Android devices but never on my Rokus. They are both on the same network. Netflix support blames the cable provider for throttling instead of their useless Android app. I’m tired of this blame game. I like my Android devices and I would like to keep them around. Anyone has any advice besides ditching Netflix on those devices?

What can I do if it’s just loading forever but it never shows me anything it’s just Netflix in red letters and the little circle thingy moving underneath it, Yunno the loading symbol . What can I do if this is all is shows me ? I tried restarting my iPad and it shows the home page for a second then it like kicks me out of the app completely then when I try to go back to it it’s Shows the loading thing again but it never stops loading!! Someone please help me!!???

Netflix would no longer load for about 3 days early this week on iMac or iPad. Followed suggestion to update silver light on iMac and then it would load on both devices but will no longer feed video to standard tv from iPad thru apple patch cord (audio only) as it would previously. Other streaming services continue to feed video and audio as previous. Any suggestions?

Netflix not loading on HP Android tablet. Last “update” smoked it! Called Netflix, they have folks who have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON. Inane support. If “customer support” can’t help out, ya think that looking online would be the solution. NOT!

I was also facing same issue with my Netflix. I tried a lot however nothing helped me I just visited https://netflix.customer-supports.com/ and made a call on their toll free. I got instant help for my Netflix by a certified technician.

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Same issues you guys have with System Time is Updating. I didn’t have an issue until my BluRay wanted to upgrade firmware. Now won’t work on TV. iPad worked fine. Cancelling my subscription as I M not buying another new BluRay. Samsung BluRay, don’t buy it. Won’t work with Netflix.

After several frustrating hours I learned it is not always easy to find out if you have the latest version of Silverlight (go to https://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/get-started/install/default.aspx). If you don’t then click on the name which will take you to the latest download (other sites gave me the slightly older version and my problem persisted!). Download. Uninstall the old one (I use Iobit’s Uninstaller and the use the “Powerful Uninstall” to get rid of everything), then re-install. Worked for me, but I didn’t realize I could be downloading an older version because I wasn’t given a choice! The Microsoft site at least showed me what I had and what I should have. And no, you can’t just install over it to update, it must be a clean install.

for TV’s … 1. unplug your TV from the power outlet 2. unplug for 30secs your modem/router 3. wait till all lights on your modem/router is all green 4. plug in the TV back to the power outlet 5. wait for 10-15 seconds then connect your TV back to your network 6. try to access your netflix app

I have a new Sony 4k smart tv. Netflix has been working fine until this evening. My message states can not find Internet message -100. Tells me to make sure my WiFi is working. Everything is working. I can get netflix on my phone and my tablet but not on my tv. Other apps are working on my tv also. HELP,,!!!!!

While watching several shows they suddenly freeze in place, and if I try to fast forward the show goes automatically to the end of the show. Our neighbor suggested a software problem but we’re not sure how to get a software update or if that is the problem. Tried shutting down netflix and that didn’t help. So please tell us what to do step by step or who can help us. Thank you. – Jack

Just got wifi on the farm, and wanted to watch a movie on our netflix. we can not get it to work. we signed into wifi now went to main menu, down to Netflix when we click on it it goes from show to hide

When we log into Netflix, the graphic icons showing each video offering is blank. When the cursor is moved onto the blank space, a line or two of text appears giving the title of the featured video. Where are the graphic icons and why are they absent from our system?

I found out yesterday that and old plug adapter/expander I was using to plug in my smart tv to the wall was making Netflix not be able to work. I spent lots of time troubleshooting before I finally unplugged the adapter and then Netflix worked perfectly. I don’t know if this is a known issue but it should be.

The “very long wait” changing to “short wait” then changing back to “very long wait” and then to “long wait” and then to “short wait” etc….is bad business. If a movie has moved from “long wait” to “short wait” it should not return to “long wait”. Bad programming.

I cannot access the sign in feature on netflix. I have tried EVERYTHING! When I go to Netflix and get the initial introductory page I click on sign in in the top left corner of the screen and a little window opens up and has the correct email address and password. But when I click on sign in again, it is unresponsive. It will respond to everything else in that box, but not sign in. I cannot as a result access the site. I have reset safari and rebooted my computer and tried everything to no avail.

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The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few moments. If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer’s network connection. If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure that Firefox is permitted to access the Web. I have tried just about everything I possibly can. My hubby and daughter can connect from their computers no problem but from my laptop it won’t let me connect whatsoever. Any help would be awesome.

I can’t get Netflix to open, it looks like it is trying then it closes again. I cannot get it to open to watch any thing. It’s been working fine up until yesterday, now it won’t open at all I have been using it on my iPad Pro and iPhone 6. I use a different email address to login it is [email protected]. I am in the Philippines and have been here for almost 6 months now. Can you tell me what is wrong thank you.

We can open movies to watch. A few minutes into the movie the movie freezes. There is sound in the background but the picture is frozen. This has been happening for a week now and it applies to just about every movie that we try to watch. Can you help us?

2016 LG Smart TV Netflix will not load. WiFi is connected. Message says, “Cannot access this service” What should I do???? Could my router be outdated and not strong enough to access Netflix service from the Smart TV? Help please!

liHI My name is Ximena Flores I got an account with you, but the netflix is not working only in my computer, it works in the other devices but not in the TV LG this is not an smart tv that is why we have to use the computer and use the cable HDMI, please can you help me as soon as possible please.

I am trying to use my Netflix account on my iphone. I am connected to wifi, I have tried all the suggestions to fix it, but, an error code keeps coming up when I try to play a show that says “Error Code: 10008 The request timed out”

When I pull up a movie the screen indicates only a XX% match. When I try to download the movie might play but constantly stops with a spinning circle in middle of screen indicating download issues. The movie may start again but this happens multiple times in the movie.

I have an ipad2, but when I try to sign into my Netflix account nothing happen, though I enter my ID & password correctly + return, the screen seems like is ignoring the commands. The I tried to change my password as if there is an option to do it, but the sign in page is ignoring the commands. I do sign in to Facebook, hotmail, etc except Netflix…any clues?

my tv and my netflix seem frozen with a screen that shows some sort of negative device plus a circulating green arrow I cannot turn off the tv/change anything on the screen….have disconnected evrything for sevral minute over the past 90 minutes…but the same screen returns so the tv is basically disabled

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I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog, however what if you added a post title to maybe grab a person’s attention? I mean 14 Common Netflix Problems & Fixes is a little plain. You should look at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they create post headlines to get people to click. You might add a related video or a pic or two to get readers excited about what you’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it could make your website a little bit more interesting.

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Quite a detailed guide. I noticed recently that uninstalling and reinstalling the app could fix half of these issues, according to multiple forums that I have been seeking information from. It worked on my case too.